Why Lift Weights

Over that last 13 years that I have been a member of Carmi Fitness Center, I have become known as "that girl that lifts weights." I'm not at all bothered by it. People stop me at the grocery store and ask me if I am "still going to the gym." It has become a large part of my identity and who I am. Yet, I still have individuals ask me "Why lift weights?" I am all too happy to explain.

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By Erin Pennington

The Carmi Times - Carmi, IL

By Erin Pennington

Posted Feb. 22, 2013 at 5:15 PM

By Erin Pennington

Posted Feb. 22, 2013 at 5:15 PM

Over that last 13 years that I have been a member of Carmi Fitness Center, I have become known as "that girl that lifts weights." I'm not at all bothered by it. People stop me at the grocery store and ask me if I am "still going to the gym." It has become a large part of my identity and who I am. Yet, I still have individuals ask me "Why lift weights?" I am all too happy to explain.

I started lifting weights when I was 19 years old back in 1989. Gym was a physical education requirement for college, so I signed up for a circuit weight lifting class. I weighed a hundred pounds back then and was super tiny with no muscle definition at all. The class spurred my interest in weight lifting and I found that I loved it. My younger brother was also lifting at that time and encouraged me to lift as heavy as possible to build my physique. It seemed like it happened quickly, within a couple of months my legs had changed drastically and my once wimpy body had muscle.

Life intervened in my early twenties and I quit the gym for a few years. I was working out at home to save money. Back then the "Legs of Steel" video tapes were huge, as well as aerobic workouts. I lost the muscle that I had gained at the gym, but I was still in good shape. It occurred to me that working out was a great way to beat daily stress. I also noticed that I felt better in general when I was physically active.

As the years rolled on, in my early thirties my finances improved and my gym visits were back in full force. I was always trying something new in terms of bodybuilding. This fit lifestyle is what I consider "fun." I like the variety and the challenges that it offers. Every day is a chance to better your previous record. I can lift more, run farther, run faster, or try a whole new routine. Going to the gym keeps me from getting bored with myself.

My 25-year class reunion is this summer. Many of my classmates have fallen into one of two categories either they have completely let themselves go, or they have starved their self to stay thin. Neither is attractive. We cannot stay 19 forever. So why not lead a healthy active lifestyle and maintain the body you have been given?

Going to the gym can keep your stress levels down and your bones strong by lifting weights. It is also great for maintaining flexibility, managing your weight and your blood pressure. It is a sure fire way to beat Type II diabetes and other health ailments. Life is short. I will forever be known as "that girl that lifts weights," because I buy into the perks that come from living a healthy life. Be good to your body and your body will be good to you.